Vlaar refused to look for excuses and said: “I would never walk away from my responsibility. I wasn’t nervous, I was focused. But it must go in and it didn’t.”

Argentina hero Romero didn’t have a save to make in the 120 minutes but was the main man in the shoot-out.

He said: “I feel immense happiness. We are celebrating along with our people and I dedicate this victory to my family. Penalties are a question of luck but I had confidence in myself and fortunately it turned out well.”

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella was thrilled to guide his nation to their first World Cup Final since 1990 – which they lost 1-0 to Germany.

He said: “I’m very happy because we reached the Final and now we will give everything to win it.”

Striker Sergio A guero said: “A lot of people didn’t think Argentina would be in the Final but we know what a good team we have.”

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